Objectives:Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common among pregnant women, but it has not been documented in pregnant Saudi Arabian women. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of the prevalence of RLS and identify both the associated factors and the associated risk factors among pregnant Saudi women.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (KAMC-Riyadh) over the period from June 1 to November 1, 2014. We interviewed the participants and collected demographic data, number of pregnancies, duration of pregnancy, comorbidities, and symptoms of RLS. The diagnosis of RLS is based on the four criteria designated by the International RLS Study Group.Results:The total number of participants enrolled was 517, and the mean age was 30.11 ± 5.42 years. The prevalence of RLS was 21.3% (110/517) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.83%-25.06%). RLS symptoms were more common among women in the third trimester (24.1%) compared to the second trimester (14.3%) and first trimester (13.6%), P = 0.043. The stepwise multivariate logistic model identified insomnia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.167–6.017, P = 0.001), and poor sleep quality (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.473-16.454, P = 0.010) were associated with RLS.Conclusion:RLS occurs in two of ten pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at KAMC-Riyadh and is strongly associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality. Studies are needed to explore the causality of these associations.

ObjectiveThere are growing concerns about ethical issues in the healthcare system. This study was conducted to determine the nature of common ethical issues faced by healthcare providers in a tertiary-care hospital in KSA.MethodThis cross-sectional study comprised a self-administered questionnaire given to the physicians working at King Abdulaziz Medical City Hospital-Riyadh, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (KAMC-RD, MNGHA). We used a convenience sampling technique during symposia and conferences.ResultsWe distributed 240 questionnaires amongst the physicians and recorded a response rate of 80%; 68% (136) of the respondents were men, while 82.5% were Saudis. The mean age of the group was 34.08 ± 10.43 years. Only 69% (138) of the physicians had ever received any formal teaching in bioethics. Most physicians (77.5%) demanded clear guidelines to help them to take appropriate ethical decisions on therapeutic futility, whereas 54% felt that they sometimes overtreat their patients.ConclusionThis study reported a lack of knowledge in certain healthcare-related ethical issues in a significant proportion of the physicians. There is a need for a standard educational agenda for medical ethics for healthcare providers, not only during medical school but also after graduation and during clinical rounds.

leep disturbances are a common occurrence in pregnant women. [1][2][3][4] The national Sleep Foundation estimates that 78% of women experience sleep disturbances during pregnancy. 5 Sleep disturbance issues occur in response to changes in normal sleep/wake patterns. excessive daytime sleepiness (edS), sleep deprivation, night waking, daytime napping, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome are the most common sleep disturbances reported by pregnant women. [1][2][3][4] edS, a symptom of diverse disorders and causes, is a disabling condition frequently described by pregnant women. an estimated 52-65% of women are affected by edS at some point during their pregnancy, and its prevalence is thought to increase as the pregnancy progresses. 2,3,5,6 according to the american academy of Sleep medicine, people with edS are unable to stay awake and alert during major waking episodes of the day, inappropriately dozing off at times when they should be awake. This behavior repeats daily for a minimum of three months. 7 In addition, patients may report severe tiredness, fatigue, and lack of energy. edS is a sleep disturbance known to impair daily functioning in all aspects of life (school, work, interpersonal relationships), and to negatively affect the quality of life. 8 Studies have shown that edS in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and obstetric original article

Background: The relationship and interactions between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry can affect patient care. A physician's practice can be influenced by this relationship. It is believed that these interactions are common among doctors in Saudi Arabia. Aims: This study was undertaken to assess the frequency of such relationships and physicians' attitudes and behaviours toward them. Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey completed by practicing physicians at four Saudi government and private tertiary care centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire addressed the frequency of meetings with representatives of pharmaceutical companies (PRs) and of receiving gifts and considered the physicians' attitudes and behaviours towards PRs. Results: A total of 300 completed questionnaires were obtained. Among the physicians surveyed, 223 (74.3%) met PRs one to three times per month. Up to 191 (64%) of physicians admitted receiving gifts. More than two thirds of physicians-192 (63%) have been invited to activities sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Among the physicians, 239 (80%) agreed that PRs use promotional techniques in their approach and 251 (84%) of them stressed the need for expert physicians to attend presentations by PRs to correct the facts. Conclusion: The frequent meetings between physicians and PRs and the use of promotional techniques by PRs are concerning. Future studies should assess the impact of this involvement on medical practice and drugs prescription in Saudi Arabia.